Apple’s latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, unveiled recently, each offer distinct design elements. While one boasts a revolutionary bezel-less display, the other maintains the familiar design introduced with the iPhone 6 Plus. Despite this, both feature enhanced dual-camera systems enabling captivating photos with shallow depth of field through Portrait mode. Apple has further elevated this capability with “Portrait Lighting,” leveraging advanced algorithms to optimize facial illumination. Eager to explore this feature on your new iPhone? Let’s delve into how to maximize Portrait Lighting on iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X:
Portrait Lighting Tips for iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X
Note: Portrait Lighting is exclusive to iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. Even iPhone 7 Plus users cannot utilize this feature. However, it’s in beta and expected to enhance through updates.
- Open the Camera app on your new iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X and select Portrait Mode. Simply capture a picture with shallow depth of field, known as the “bokeh effect”. Swipe left at the bottom of the frame to switch between Portrait Lighting effects: Natural Light, Studio Light, Contour Light, Stage Light, and Stage Light Mono.
- Besides capturing pictures, you can also modify the lighting effect for Portrait mode photos previously taken on iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. To do this, open the Photos app and select the desired portrait photo. Then, tap “Edit”. Portrait photos default to the “Natural Light” effect. To change it, swipe left near the icons at the bottom.
- Swipe continuously to cycle through and test all four lighting effects offered by the new “Portrait Lighting” feature.
Portrait Lighting Effects
Now that you’ve learned Portrait Lighting, let’s delve into how these lighting effects work. The “Studio Light” effect evenly spreads light over the subject, simulating studio lighting. “Contour Light” adds shadows and highlights to contour the subject’s face, which looks impressive. The modes “Stage Light” and “Stage Light Mono” darken the background according to your face and body contours. However, mastering these modes may require multiple attempts.
Ready to Utilize Portrait Lighting?
Although still in beta, Apple has incorporated essential features into Portrait Lighting. Achieving ideal results with “Stage Light” and “Stage Light Mono” effects can be challenging and sometimes gimmicky. Yet, when perfected, the results are remarkable. Apple can enhance Portrait Lighting through future software updates, making it even more appealing. Are you eager to experiment with Portrait Lighting on your iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone X? Share your thoughts on the feature in the comments below.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
